Figaros through the Solent

Disaster for Liz Wardley following Portsmouth start of Solitaire du Figaro

Just before 11am this morning the 52 skippers taking part in La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro race, set off on the second stage. Leg one saw the 52 skippers cross the English Channel from Caen to Portsmouth over a 156 mile course. The second leg, which is 463 miles, from Portsmouth to Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie is longest of the race

The skippers will head out west from Portsmouth, along the southern English shores to round Wolf Rock before heading South to round the île de Sein to finish in Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie in the Vendée region of France.

After a general recall, the fleet crossed the start line under 8/10 knots of westerly breeze and favourable tides at 10h51 (English Time).

Former Solitaire winner Dominic Vittet (Atao Audio System) led the fleet round the first mark at Horse Sand Fort, followed by Fred Duthil (AllMer) and Benoit Petit (Défi Santé Voile). Samantha Davies (Skandia), the only British sailor taking part, rounded 19th in the fleet. The sailors followed a course west along the Solent heading out towards the Needles.

Passing the Shingles buoy Sam had moved up to 10th place just under 20 minutes behind the leaders, Dominic Vittet (Atao Audio Systems), Kito de Pavant (Navy Lest) and Benoit Petit (Defi Santé Mer).

At 16h00 Dominic Vittet (Atao Audio Systems) still leads the fleet along Pool Bay.

Disaster struck for Liz Wardley on Kookai eol she dismasted close to the Needles. With 20 knots of head wind and a choppy sea the mast's base jumped out of its step. The race organisation’s medical boat, Bayer went to assist her and she returned to Gunwharf Quays.

Both her mast and sails appear to be intact and the shore crews are all waiting to help her prepare for the next stage.

Liz Wardley could continue and rejoin the race in Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie with a DNF on this leg. The time for the last finish would be awarded plus a two hour penalty. It is now up to Liz and her shore crew to work out what will happen next.